Leaders, family and friends came together for the requiem mass for the late Kabuchai MP James Lusweti Mukwe at Langata Friends church, Nairobi on Thursday. The late Mukwe, whose burial is slated for Saturday, 19th December at Sanandiki village, in Chwele, Bungoma County was praised and eulogized as a steadfast and honorable leader, Bungoma Senator Moses Wetangula recalled that their journey to elective politics started together, when he stood as a councillor and Wetangula as MP.
He said he late Lusweti started out as his close coordinator and would do all things possible to carry out tasks required. He said he was one of the most accountable MPs who has served the constituency very well, “In the last term he was one of the top ten performers in management of CDF in the country, I’ve seen that in the annals of parliament,” he stated. He added that Lusweti had a close connection with his constituents and his communication, filled with imagery, endeared him to many.
ANC party leader Musalia Mudavadi, said it’s a tough thing when a party has to deal with a by election as ANC and Ford Kenya have to, “In our area we have lost two members of parliament within the space of just a few days, we are all going to be involved in a process of seeking the replacement of or leaders. As we do so let us seek the guidance of God and have the opportunity to reflect very carefully.”
He said ANC will not field a candidate in Kabuchai, a similar commitment which had earlier been made by Wetangula, who intimated that Ford Kenya won’t field a candidate in Matungu. “We shall walk hand in hand so that we can pull together the resources within Matungu and Kabuchai.”
On her part, the widow Gladys Mamati Lusweti lauded the Parliamentary Service Commission for supporting the family, even when Lusweti was still in hospital. She said the deceased has left behind a large family, including orphans and she would try her best to take care of them all, “I want to assure you that as the head of the family I’ll do what I can and I’ll do the necessary to ensure a good environment for all the children…I request for your prayers as I step in the shoes of James.” Leaders who attended the service included Senator Moses Wetangula, Kenya’s ambassador to the DRC Amb. Dr. George Masafu, MPs Chris Wamalwa, Ferdinand Wanyonyi among others.
